MKN is seeking a Principal Wastewater Treatment/Water Reuse Technical Lead to work closely with Operations Managers, Principals, and other staff to drive business within the California market. This role will involve collaborating with local water professionals to develop and implement an innovative business strategy, identifying and leading key regional pursuits, managing large multidisciplinary projects in wastewater treatment, water reuse, and biosolids, and building strategic relationships with clients and teaming partners.
We are a team-oriented and highly motivated group with offices in Irvine, Oceanside, Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, Bakersfield, Fresno, San Jose, Ventura, and Santa Clarita.
MKN strongly believes in and understands the importance of balancing work and personal life. Our recent awards, from Great Place to Work and Zweig Top Firms, are a testament to this value and the support we provide to our fellow team members. Our collaborative work environment and inclusive operating philosophy allow us to maintain a positive work culture while providing excellent service to our clients.
Key Responsibilities:
Stay current on regulatory policy changes and maintain working relationships with regulatory officials.
Contribute to business development efforts, including pursuit strategy, prepositioning, proposal development, and project interviews.
Serve as a technical advisor to design teams and clients throughout the project lifecycle—planning, design, construction, startup and commissioning, and operations.
Ensure joint accountability for project execution, quality, and financial performance.
Mentor and supervise team members to build best-in-class capabilities.
Strengthen technical skills within the team through staff development and recruitment.
Manage projects to deliver a high level of quality within budget and schedule constraints.
Act as a technology leader, recognized as a company/industry expert within your specialty.
Experience in wastewater and reuse design, with an emphasis on treatment processes and plant design for consulting engineering.
Additional Responsibilities:
Collaborate with leadership to focus on water reuse, wastewater treatment, and biosolids clients.
Foster and develop relationships with design-build partners, assisting with pursuits in strategic planning, stakeholder outreach, proposal development, and project management.
Build and nurture strategic relationships with key officials, industry leaders, and agency management, working alongside Operations Managers and company leadership.
Engage actively in local professional organizations, such as CWEA, AWWA, and Water Use, aiming for leadership roles on boards or committees.
Lead project delivery by providing technical direction and fiscal oversight, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget, and promoting quality control.
Identify business development opportunities that advance MKN’s presence in Southern California’s wastewater/water reuse sectors.
Professional Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering (MS preferred).
California Professional Engineer (PE) license.
15+ years of experience in wastewater treatment, biosolids, and/or water reuse, with increasing responsibility.
Proven track record in managing successful wastewater treatment, water reuse, and biosolids projects, with a focus on California.
Experience in wastewater and reuse design, with an emphasis on treatment processes and plant design for consulting engineering.
Familiarity with wastewater and reuse systems, including master planning, conveyance, and treatment plant design.
Demonstrated supervisory, mentoring, and technical skills, along with strong proposal writing abilities.
Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation is based on experience and qualifications. The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $225,000. The firm offers a highly competitive salary and fringe benefits, and most importantly, an opportunity for engagement and support from an engineering team that has led major regional water resource projects throughout the western U.S.
Please email your resume to cyamate@mknassociates.us.
